In this article, we explore the main pros and cons of thermal imaging in wildlife conservation before delving into the key specifications to consider when choosing a thermal imaging camera. Finally, we recommend several models that the NatureSpy team has put to the test in the field and we think are excellent for a variety of conservation needs.
Pulsar Telos XP50 thermal imaging camera
Thermal imaging cameras detect and display the thermal radiation emitted by objects. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on visible light, thermal cameras operate in the infrared spectrum, enabling them to capture heat signatures. The images they produce are presented in colour schemes that highlight the temperature variance in the scene.
Thermal image of birds on a lake
Thermal imaging offers several significant advantages in wildlife conservation. With unique benefits that set this technology apart from other monitoring methods, it can be an effective standalone monitoring tool, but also combines well with traditional methods like trail cameras and radio tracking.
A key advantage is its ability to reveal the secrets of nocturnal wildlife. By capturing heat signatures instead of relying on visible light, thermal cameras enable the observation of wildlife activity at night, without using any bright lights that may influence wildlife behaviour. This technology also works effectively in the daytime too, it is effective for spotting hidden and camouflaged species within dense vegetation and other complex habitats.
Thermal cameras are useful for monitoring dens (e.g. pine marten), bat roosts, and bird nests without disturbing the animals. Although thermal cameras cannot see through objects, they can detect the heat emitted by the animal inside, so those monitoring can observe species presence, behaviour, and entry and exit times from a distance.
Thermal imaging technology is also invaluable in combating poaching. These cameras can identify human heat signatures, enabling the detection of illegal activities such as night hunting or trespassing in protected areas, facilitating timely intervention to protect wildlife.
Like any wildlife monitoring technology, thermal imaging has its own set of limitations. Environmental factors such as rain, fog, and vegetation density can impact the performance of thermal cameras, affecting image quality and detection range. Species differentiation can also be challenging since heat signatures alone may not provide sufficient information to distinguish between similar species. Additionally, distance and resolution limitations can affect the level of detail captured by thermal cameras, especially at longer ranges. These challenges can be overcome through careful preparation or by combining thermal imaging with other methods, such as binoculars and trail cameras. To learn more about overcoming the limitations of thermal imaging in wildlife conservation, check out this guide.
Thermal image of a bat box showing heat around the top of the box
When selecting a thermal imaging camera for wildlife conservation purposes, several factors should be taken into account.
Resolution and thermal sensitivity: Higher resolution cameras with greater thermal sensitivity provide more detailed and accurate images, allowing for better identification and analysis of wildlife. Higher-end equipment generally features larger resolution sensors and greater sensitivity, but this does of course come at a price, so it’s important to choose a sufficient specification for your needs.
Ranges: Detection, recognition and identification: Consider the camera’s detection range, which determines the distance at which it can detect and capture thermal signatures. Manufacturers typically list detection ranges, but it’s also important to consider recognition range and identification range too. Recognition range is the distance at which the type of animal (e.g. deer, bird, canid) can be discerned and is typically 40% of the detection range. Identification range is the distance at which a species can be identified and is approximately 20% of the detection range.
Field of view: A camera with a narrower field of view typically performs better for longer range wildlife detection (e.g. monitoring deer in open landscapes), compared to a wider field of view that is better for close range work (e.g. bat roost monitoring).
Durability and Weather Resistance: Opt for a thermal imager that is rugged and weatherproof. The IP (ingress protection) rating of a thermal imaging camera describes its resistance to the elements.
Battery Life: Look for a camera with long-lasting battery life for extended fieldwork sessions without frequent recharging.
Additional Features: Consider features like image/video recording capabilities for obtaining evidence of wildlife records, wireless connectivity with smartphone apps, and compatibility with other wildlife monitoring systems.
Learn more about thermal imaging specifications in this article.
Below we share three of our favourite thermal imaging cameras for wildlife conservation, all from the Pulsar range. Pulsar thermal imagers are renowned for their high quality images, robust build quality and versatile features. Consider the size of species you’re monitoring and the distances you’re likely to be working at to gain a sense of which option may be best for you.
High quality, entry-level thermal imaging camera.
The Pulsar Axion XM30F is Pulsar’s entry-level thermal monocular. This is a good all-round thermal imaging camera with a good detection range (1,300m). We think this thermal imaging camera is best for monitoring animals hedgehog-sized or larger, but it is capable of detecting small species such as bats out to approximately 25m under good atmospheric conditions. It will detect a hedgehog out to approximately 70m, a fox out to 250m and a red deer to 1,000m.
As with all models in the current Pulsar range, the Axion XM30F is quick to start up, responsive to use and can take photos and record video. It also offers compatibility with Pulsar’s Stream Vision mobile app, enabling control of the thermal imager through a smartphone, so the thermal camera can be tripod-mounted and controlled from a phone. Pulsar is renowned for high quality, well-built equipment and this model is no exception, with shock resistance and a waterproof IPX7 rating.
A versatile mid-range thermal imager, great for close to medium range surveying.
Sitting in the middle of Pulsars’ range of thermal monoculars, the Pulsar Axion 2 XG35 comes with a significant boost in image clarity compared to the Axion 2 XM30F. Greater thermal sensitivity, coupled with a thermal sensor twice the size, means that the XG35 produces clearer images out to longer ranges and looks sharper at close range too. The moderately wide F35 lens combined with a large thermal sensor make this thermal imager a great choice for closer range survey work, such as bat emergence and re-entry surveys. Under good atmospheric conditions, the XG35 will detect a bat out to approximately 30m, a hedgehog to 90m, a fox to 300m and a red deer to 1,400m.
Top of the range, excels at medium to long ranges.
At the top of Pulsars’ range of thermal monoculars, the Pulsar Telos XP50 has the greatest detection range of the three thermal imagers recommended here, owing to its superior level of thermal sensitivity. This high level of thermal sensitivity counteracts the challenges of thermal imaging in challenging atmospheric conditions, so compared to the XM30F and XG35 it has no problem cutting through high humidity, rain and fog. With an F50 lens, the FOV is narrower than the XG35, but this helps it to perform better at longer ranges. This is an outstanding thermal imager for medium to long range wildlife watching, and is highly capable at closer ranges too. The Telos XP50 will detect a bat out to approximately 35m, a hedgehog to 100m, a fox to 350m and a red deer to 1,500m.
A unique feature of the Telos XP50 is upgradeability. Unlike the XM30F and XG35 that have fixed components such as the lens and thermal sensor, Pulsar plans to release upgradeable components for the Telos XP50 from 2024, helping to future-proof this high-end model.
Thermal imaging cameras operate in the infrared spectrum, detecting and displaying thermal radiation emitted by objects, enabling them to capture heat signatures and present images in colour schemes that highlight temperature differences in the scene.
Thermal imaging offers the ability to observe nocturnal wildlife without disturbance, spot concealed species in dense vegetation, monitor dens and nests, and detect human heat signatures to combat wildlife crime.
Challenges include the impact of environmental factors like rain, fog, and vegetation on image quality, difficulty in species differentiation based on heat signatures alone, and limitations in distance and resolution, especially at longer ranges.
Consider resolution and thermal sensitivity, detection, recognition, and identification ranges, field of view, durability, weather resistance, battery life, and additional features like recording capabilities and compatibility with other wildlife monitoring systems.
Sure, here are three excellent thermal imaging cameras for wildlife conservation from the Pulsar range:
Pulsar Axion 2 XM30F: Entry-level camera with a detection range of 1,300m.
Pulsar Axion 2 XG35: Mid-range imager with a detection range of 1,750m.
Pulsar Telos XP50: Top-of-the-range camera with a detection range of 1,800m and upgradeable components.
